Fish oil and Hemp seed oil are two popular products that people commonly use for getting the essential fatty acids. These fatty acids are necessary for the human body to function properly. They are significant for maintaining the health of different organs in our body including lungs, heart, brain, etc. In addition to this, essential fatty acids are required for counteracting different mental disorders like anxiety, stress, etc.
Why Do You Need Essential Fatty Acids?
Essential fatty acids including omega-3, omega-6, and omega-9 are required for ensuring optimal conditions in the human body. They are not produced by the body, hence, we have to absorb them through our diet. Western diets usually contain an unhealthy ratio of omega-3 and omega-6. This can result in different inflammatory conditions and obesity.
Omega-6 is present in vegetable oils, whereas omega-3 is found in nuts, seeds, fruits, and some vegetables. Omega-3 present in them will have to be converted into substances like DHA and EPA by our body for facilitating absorption. This is where fish oil is useful, as it facilitates the absorption of these compounds without our body having to convert them. Both hemp oil and fish oil contain essential fatty acids, but which is the best source for you?
Fish Oil
Fish oil has been in existence since the last century. A lot of changes have happened in the production of fish oil over the years. Now you can find different variants of fish oil. It is a good source of omega-3 fatty acids. However, fish oil has some problems too.
Oily fish like tuna, sardines, salmon, etc. do not produce omega-3. They accumulate it by eating other small fishes that have microalgae and omega-3 stored in their bodies. Hence, there is a great possibility for them to have different contaminants like toxins, mercury, etc. Also, fish oils will be easily oxidized by free radicals. In addition to this, fish oil can have a negative impact on the earth’s ecosystem, as it exploits the fragile sea resources. Hence, it is simply not sustainable.
Hemp Oil
Hemp oil is a sustainable source of omega fatty acids when compared to fish oil, as it is obtained from hemp seeds. It has omega-6 and omega-3 in the ratio 3:1 which is considered optimal. In addition to this, hemp oil has a large number of other compounds like terpenes, minerals, and other nutrients that are essential for the body. Therefore, it can also be a great source of different nutrients.
Both hemp oil and fish oil are good sources of essential fatty acids. However, the benefits of hemp oil outweigh those of fish oil, as it is the most sustainable option among both. Hence, if you are looking for a natural product for getting different essential acids and other nutrients, then hemp oil can be your ideal choice.